Test volumes of 2011 GRE programme at all-time high
The 2011 test volumes of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) programme reached an all-time high of more than 0.8 million, according to an announcement by Educational Testing Service (ETS) officials. GRE is a standardised test conducted for securing admission in graduate schools abroad.
In a year when other higher education admissions tests reported flat or declining volumes, the 2011 launch of the GRE revised General Test led to the largest testing year in the programs history and represented a 13 per cent increase over last year. ETS officials believed that the added momentum was due to the new test-taker friendly design of the GRE revised General Test combined with growing acceptance of GRE scores worldwide by thousands of graduate institutions, including business schools.
"We are excited to see such a sharp rise in interest in the GRE revised General Test because it ultimately leads to more people pursuing higher education. In addition, the growing use of GRE scores by business schools is great news for prospective students who now have more opportunities for success-applicants can take one test to pursue either graduate school or an MBA," said David Payne, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ETS's Higher Education Division.
Jennifer Gonsalves, a GRE test taker in Mumbai, India commented that the GRE revised general test with new and improved features was extremely user friendly.
In 2011, the GRE Program recorded growth in all major markets around the world. U.S. volumes increased nearly 10 per cent from 2010, and ETS saw solid increases in important segments such as under-represented groups, the variety of undergraduate degrees and individuals planning to pursue an MBA. Internationally, GRE test volumes increased nearly 25 per cent over 2010.
While growth was recorded throughout the world, including Europe, Africa and other regions, India saw a noteworthy 43 per cent increase and China a 28 per cent increase in test volumes.
Several institutes, including business schools around the world and international institutions, are accepting GRE scores for admission. In 2011, the number of business schools accepting GRE scores for their MBA programs climbed to nearly 800, up from 450 in 2010. International institutions accepting GRE scores also grew by nearly 10 per cent in 2011. "GRE test takers now have access to more institutions than ever before with substantial growth in acceptance by business and international schools,” added Payne.
Leading schools who accept GRE scores for their MBA program also reported to ETS that they are now seeing a growing applicant pool of GRE test takers. In addition, GRE score reports sent to international schools rose more than 17 per cent in 2011 compared to the prior year.
“Accepting GRE scores is a win-win for both students and the graduate program," concluded Harvie Wilkinson, director of MBA programs for the Gatton College of Business at the University of Kentucky.